It’s rare to catch him wearing red. Cristian Estrada often prefers dark-colored outfits. He profoundly loves his bird, Gigi; it’s both his pet and his whole world. His love for cars is also apparent, as he especially cherishes the car left behind by his older sister Elizabeth Estrada, who sadly passed away on July 12, 2024. Cristian, a sophomore at West Leyden, began detailing cars in 2023 as a hobby. But soon, that hobby turned into a business as his mentor Gonzalo, along with others, showed him the ropes of car detailing. Cristian is grateful to have older and experienced mentors who have taught him a variety of skills, allowing him to expand his services. He wasn’t always from the suburbs as he originally came from Albany Park in Chicago. He moved to Franklin Park during eighth grade and has lived there ever since. “When I was younger, I had a friend named Gonzalo who would show me how to clean cars and stuff, and it was pretty fun. I started doing it, and my mom and my sister always told me I should start my own little business because I’m good at what I do. But I told her I wouldn’t have any clients, and I didn’t want to deal with that. Then she told me, for example, there are a million barbers, and they all still have their own clients. That just made me think — and it gave me the push to start my own business without the stress of worrying about clients,” says Cristian.“I’ve gotten a lot of advice from my mentors that helps me a lot. I’ve also gotten tips from some people I’ve met along the way,” Cristian adds with a soft smile. When asked who inspires him the most to keep going, he doesn’t hesitate. “I think my sister inspires me the most, just because she’s the reason why I was so determined to start out. I look up to her — I try to make a future that she wasn’t able to have,” says Cristian thoughtfully.“My biggest struggle is definitely making content and trying to get more clients. I’ve gotten a lot of advice from many people, and that helps me a lot. It just keeps me going.” Still, Cristian remains grateful for the people who’ve helped him along the way. “My parents were pretty supportive when I began. They helped me out with buying some chemicals and the stuff I needed. My dad emptied out the garage for me, and they let me use their cars to practice all the time. So they were pretty supportive,” he says. “I plan on doing this for as long as possible. I’m trying to expand as much as I can. Never be afraid to start your own business or start anything — and always know you’re going to have those supportive people. Even though there will be people who hate or make fun of you, none of that matters as long as you’re doing what you love.”
With his family’s support, his mentors’ guidance, and his sister’s memory driving him forward, Cristian continues to prove that success isn’t about where you start, but about how determined you are to keep going.